Clearcoating Crome and Trim?

68Blue302Coupe · Nov 27, 2009

Hey All,

I have several chrome and metal trim pieces that are showing some aging but not too far gone. Mainly on the bumpers and the wheels where some light rust is forming. I can clean it up, but wondered if anyone has tried clearcoating chrome and metal trim? Can it be done and would it help keep the chrome looking better and fight rust?

I would think there would be problems with the clearcoat sticking to the smoothe chrome / trim surface, but wanted to see if anyone else has done this with success. If so, what was your process and what kind of clearcoat did you use?

tx65coupe · Nov 27, 2009

I don't think I would consider doing that.

2+2GT · Nov 27, 2009

The grille of the 53-54-55 Corvette was specified to be flash chromed and clear coated instead of triple-plated due to nickel used for the Korean War. GM spec called for them to be flashed with copper and chrome, dipped in clear enamel DuPont RK-3096 or equivalent, and baked. They seem to have held up pretty well, too.

iskwezm · Nov 28, 2009

I have had trim and polished wheels clear gloss powder coated and it has worked really well.The powder coat will show fine scatches if rubbed to hard to with a rough towe thoughl.I havent done chrome or dont think it would work since the powder needs some "tooth" to bite into.

68Blue302Coupe · Nov 28, 2009

Hey everyone, thanks for the replys. I didn't know that about the early Vettes, that's interesting that the factory did that with success. Although it sounds like--for my options of a spray can of clear coat over chrome--its not a good idea. I guess I'll just stock up on polish. Is it just me, or does a lot of the repo chrome (wheels, bumbers, dash trim) oxidize/wear/pit in a matter of years versus the decades of life from some of the original stuff?

iskwezm · Nov 29, 2009

68Blue302Coupe said:
Is it just me, or does a lot of the repo chrome (wheels, bumbers, dash trim) oxidize/wear/pit in a matter of years versus the decades of life from some of the original stuff?

That is true.My guess is due to environmental standards, the chroming process isnt the same. I had my factory 40 year old bumpers tripple chrome show quality blah blah blah, didnt last 2 years even being garaged this time around.It seems cheaper to just replace them every coupole of years

2+2GT · Nov 29, 2009

68Blue302Coupe said:
Hey everyone, thanks for the replys. I didn't know that about the early Vettes, that's interesting that the factory did that with success. Although it sounds like--for my options of a spray can of clear coat over chrome--its not a good idea. I guess I'll just stock up on polish. Is it just me, or does a lot of the repo chrome (wheels, bumbers, dash trim) oxidize/wear/pit in a matter of years versus the decades of life from some of the original stuff?

My Dad used to spray-clear the chrome on his cars, I always thought it was a little odd but thinking back I remember him trading 8-year-old cars with perfect chrome. The downside is if you look close you can see the clear, the upside, I guess he proved, is it looks that good indefinitely.

tx65coupe · Nov 29, 2009

Thats cool guys. I would have thought it would make the chrome look satin or fogged up.

Clearcoating Crome and Trim?

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